Weightlifting Fiji celebrated a successful night at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, securing three accolades, which head coach Henry Elder hopes will attract further support for the sport. Taniela Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa were honored as the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, while promising young athlete Nehemiah Elder was named the Young Male Athlete of the Year.
Coach Henry Elder expressed his joy as he applauded his athletes for their achievements. He emphasized the hard work and dedication of his team, attributing their success to faith. “Weightlifting Fiji sticks by its scripture in Mathew 6-33. It is through God and God alone that we have achieved what we have achieved. My athletes have worked hard, and nobody knows the struggles they’ve been through, and I am so thankful that this has happened,” he shared.
Elder revealed the personal challenges faced by his athletes, particularly highlighting Taniela’s dedication. “For many years, Taniela would walk from Nakasi to Suva to train and walk back in the afternoons. Often, he would search for employment to support his family during that time. I only learned of his struggles later, and it broke my heart to know what he was enduring. He persevered and even won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022,” he said.
Looking towards the future, Elder hopes the recognition will encourage businesses to get involved and support their endeavors. “I hope people will see that we raise the flag of Fiji. In the last three Commonwealth Games, weightlifting has won medals, and we aim high. We want to secure medals at the Olympics in 2028 and 2032, with a goal of winning four to six medals in 2032. We are working hard and believe we can achieve this with the support we have,” he stated.
Musician Apakuki Nalawa is one of the few individuals reaching out to support the sport, providing nutritional assistance. Several businesses are also contributing to creating a competitive atmosphere for the weightlifters.